Relationship between spatial proximity and travel-to-work distance: the effect of the compact city

In this paper, an assessment is made of the relationship between selected aspects of spatial proximity (density, diversity, minimum commuting distance, jobs-housing balance and job accessibility) and reported commuting distances in Flanders (Belgium). Results show that correlations may depend on the considered trip end. For example, a high residential density, a high degree of spatial diversity and a high level of job accessibility are all associated with a short commute by residents, while a high job density is associated with a long commute by employees. A jobs-housing balance close to one is associated with a short commute, both by residents and by employees. In general, it appears that the alleged sustainability benefits of the compact city model are still valid in a context of continuously expanding commuting trip lengths.

@article{1041092,
abstract = {In this paper, an assessment is made of the relationship between selected aspects of spatial proximity (density, diversity, minimum commuting distance, jobs-housing balance and job accessibility) and reported commuting distances in Flanders (Belgium). Results show that correlations may depend on the considered trip end. For example, a high residential density, a high degree of spatial diversity and a high level of job accessibility are all associated with a short commute by residents, while a high job density is associated with a long commute by employees. A jobs-housing balance close to one is associated with a short commute, both by residents and by employees. In general, it appears that the alleged sustainability benefits of the compact city model are still valid in a context of continuously expanding commuting trip lengths.},
author = {Boussauw, Kobe and Neutens, Tijs and Witlox, Frank},
issn = {0034-3404},
journal = {REGIONAL STUDIES},
keyword = {Spatial proximity,Compact city,Commuting,Sustainable spatial development,Flanders,JOBS-HOUSING BALANCE,LAND-USE,URBAN,ACCESSIBILITY,NEIGHBORHOOD,TRANSPORT,DIVERSITY,BEHAVIOR,DENSITY,DESIGN},
language = {eng},
number = {6},
pages = {687--706},
title = {Relationship between spatial proximity and travel-to-work distance: the effect of the compact city},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2010.522986},
volume = {46},
year = {2012},
}